IA-Sen: Michael Franken Announces First Round Of Endorsements

Democrats’ latest entrant in the race to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst today rolled out his first list of Iowa endorsements.

Michael Franken, a retired Navy admiral from Northwest Iowa, spent the bulk of his military career traveling the world and anchored in Washington, D.C. He launched his Senate campaign Aug. 26 and now lives in Sioux City.

He joins Theresa Greenfield, Eddie Mauro and Kimberly Graham in the race to unseat Ernst.

“I have been overwhelmed by the interest shown by community leaders, activists, and elected officials from across the state,” said Franken, Thursday in a statement. “Our message of principled leadership, while addressing the climate crisis, protecting health care coverage for pre-existing health conditions, and fighting back against Wall Street greed, is resonating.”

Here are the Iowans endorsing Franken:

Sioux City Rep. Tim Kacena

Richard Bender, a longtime Democratic activist and staffer to Sen. Tom Harkin, credited with launching the modern caucuses

Businessman and former chair of the Woodbury County Democrats Rick Mullin

Des Moines businessman Chris Draper

Des Moines community activist CeCe Ibson

James and Jan Norris, retired business owners, Democratic activists in Montgomery County